Christchurch still reeling after quake

Central Christchurch was a sealed disaster zone last night as the city reeled from the trauma of the country's most damaging earthquake in 70 years.

A state of emergency was declared for the first time in Christchurch's history by Mayor Bob Parker and police closed the heart of the stricken city from 7pm for assessments on buildings, some of which had whole facades blown away by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake.

Despite the devastation, the only known serious casualties were two people injured after being hit by falling bricks and glass, although there were a string of minor injuries. There was also a spike in patients with heart trouble arriving at the Christchurch Hospital accident and emergency department.

Prime Minister John Key, who flew to the city where he grew up from Auckland yesterday afternoon, spoke for many: ''It's a miracle that no-one lost their life''.

By last night two-thirds of the city had water supplies restored, and 90 per cent had electricity back.

Inspector Al Stewart said no one would be allowed through the inner-city cordons last night except residents. The central business district area affected is contained within the Kilmore St, Madras St, Lichfield St and Durham St area.

Historic buildings, including the Arts Centre and Christ's College suffered varying degrees of damage, and some such as Godley House were almost destroyed following the 7.1 magnitude quake, which struck at around 4.30am.

Rescue teams around the city had helped about eight people from lifts or pits opening up in the ground and Christchurch Hospital.

Stewart said reports of looting had been exaggerated and there had only been a handful of incidents.

Residents behaviour had ''predominantly been good'' but people ''rubbernecking''  those heading into the central city to see the damage were not helpful as it was dangerous and could clog up roads for emergency services, he said.

Panic buying of food and petrol was reported from early this morning with most selling out of bottled water,  candles and other survival gear within an hour of opening.

The state of emergency would remain in place until at least Monday and residents in all areas of the city and Banks Peninsula were advised to conserve water and boil drinking water as the extent of contamination through broken sewer pipes remained unknown.

Two Christchurch secondary schools set up as evacuation centres were looking after about 30 people last night. Residents in Kaiapoi, just north of Christchurch, are also under a curfew, with their shopping centre and township area closed off between 7pm and 7am.

The area suffered extensive damage during the earthquake, with residents having to navigate buckled roads, and clean debris and water from their homes and businesses.

Among the damaged buildings was iconic family store Blackwells, one of the oldest department stores in New Zealand. Business owner Andrew Blackwell, a fifth-generation family owner, said part of the building had been demolished due to safety concerns.

Lincoln Maternity Hospital and the Burwood Birthing Unit were closed indefinitely and women who were intending to give birth at the units were advised to go to Christchurch Women's Hospital.

- © Fairfax NZ News